Wednesday: 1 US Soldier, 4 Iraqis Killed; 23 Iraqis, 7 Iranians Wounded

Updated at 8:19 p.m. Dec. 8, 2010 At least four Iraqis were killed and 23 more were wounded in the latest violence. Seven Iranian pilgrims were also wounded in an attack while on their way to Karbala for Ashuraa observances. That holiday, which unintentionally marks the schism between Shi’ite and Sunni Islam, culminates next week and could mean an increase in violence, particularly for Iranian pilgrims. Also, A U.S. soldier died of wounds received during a sniper attack.

Saturday: 11 Iraqis, 7 Iranians Killed; 88 Iraqis, 45 Iranians Wounded

Updated at 2:09 p.m. EST, Dec. 4, 2010 Many of today’s casualties were Iranian pilgrims visiting Shi’ite religious sites. The attacks, which also struck at Iraqi Shi’ite neighborhoods, came soon after it was discovered that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s may have been placing inexperienced Shi’ite loyalists into security positions. About seven Iranians were killed and 45 more were wounded in these attacks. About 11 Iraqis were also killed and 88 more were wounded. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle made a brief, unannounced visit to Iraq.